ktandsm

No worries, thank you for getting back to me

Hi, I'm looking at trying to get a pastry chef apprenticeship/traineeship - I don't suppose you take on apprentices do you? I'd be classed as 'mature', and I already have a degree from the UK that's completely unrelated, but I think I can still do a Certificate iv in Patisserie or Commercial Cookery part-time (evening) at TAFE. I'd basically be starting from the very beginning because I've only ever done office work. I have permanent residency so visa restrictions are not an issue, I just need to get in with a company before I can enrol in a course. Thanks in advance

Thanks guys, I'll take a look.

Does anyone know if Australia has anything like the taste card or blackhouse card like we have in the UK for discounted dining? I know they have Groupon and Scoupon but I just wondered if there was anything like these cards that you can use on a group of different restaurants? Thanks

Thanks guys. Kind of thought we'd be looking at going back over blind, but managed to sort out a job for Perth whilst we were still in Auckland so we were keeping our fingers crossed we'd be able to do the same for somewhere on the east coast. Just seems to be a bit harder, though! Thanks Keith, will take a look.

Hi all, we've recently been granted permanent residency and have come home after a year of being away just to visit family. We're now trying to decide where to go when we return to Oz in the coming weeks (young(ish) couple with no kids or particular ties to anywhere). Job prospects are going to be the main deciding factor, and we were wondering if anyone has had any luck in securing jobs before they go? We were previously working contract jobs in Perth, and were hoping to head over East but it's proving difficult to establish contacts. I'm a Civil Engineer and my gf is a legal professional, though she is hoping to start a conversion course in accounting in March once we're settled somewhere... Any advice would be much appreciated...

Hi Lotti22, I have recently been granted a 189 visa and I had an outstanding tax return from the year 2010-2011. When I logged on to mygov I also had 'outstanding' returns from the years to follow (where I was in the UK and just had to tell them that a tax return wasn't due). I didn't sort out my tax affairs until after the grant so I wouldn't worry - I don't think it'd be a problem at all. I also agree that I don't remember filling in my TFN anywhere, but it will be the same as your WHV TFN as you only get one (a bit like your National Insurance Number). As others have said, you'll probably be due a refund anyway! Good luck

Congratulations CaptainC! Delighted for you

Been keeping an eye on this forum, CaptainC - are you still waiting?? Have you called them a few times?? The processing time is supposed to be 3 months for 189 - which I kind of thought as of a maximum really (since many get granted before) - you're coming very close to that so still have my fingers crossed for you that it'll be round the corner!

Thanks Keith!

Hi Keith, do you know how long the company will be recruiting for? My partner is a Civil Engineer with a Masters in Project Management and around 5 years of post grad experience. We've just been granted PR so we're heading home for a just over month to see family before heading back out. Do you reckon recruitment will be over by the time we get back?? (Around mid September). Thanks in advance!

We have received our grants!!!!!!! :smile::smile: Get on on the phone CaptainC - worked for us!!! Best of luck!!!

We are feeling the same Captain C!! I finally cracked and asked my partner to call this afternoon. He was told that a case officer has been assigned but nothing else really. They did also say that a decision hadn't been made on his request for an extension to the 6 month WHV rule, though, which is bizarre as he actually has a letter from them granting the extension. Anyway...just glad that there is some sort of movement. Give them a call, what harm can it do!! Good luck, and hang in there!!

Hi Seanyb - we lodged on 22nd May and still haven't heard anything so I wouldn't worry too much. I've been keeping an eye on the 189 visa forums and it looks like they're up to the 12th May or thereabouts

congratulations!!